Plans for the future development of the Torvean/Ness-side areas of Inverness have been unveiled by senior members of the Highland Council.

A timetable for proceeding with the construction of the £27.2m Inverness West Link Road was also revealed.

Progress on the West Link, as well as the Draft Development Brief for the area, will be considered by the Highland Council's City of Inverness Area Committee next week before a seven-week period of public consultation begins.

Council Leader Drew Hendry said the preferred road line was unanimously chosen by the Council at its meeting last month.

He said: "On all counts, the route we have chosen is the best one – one which we are totally committed to proceeding with. We must maintain the significant progress we are achieving so that work can start in 2015."


Planning and Development Chairman Thomas Prag added the Draft Development Brief would highlight the scope for creating a recreational hub and a major boating/yachting destination, while also safeguarding some of the city’s most valuable assets, such as Whin Park and Canal Pitches from development.

Mr Prag explained: "The areas around the West Link have been allocated for development for a number of years. No significant development has been permitted in advance of this Development Brief being prepared.

"The Brief sets out the development potential at Ness-side, which has capacity to deliver in the order of 750-800 houses, commercial and business opportunities and new open space, including a football pitch and riverside park area.

"It also highlights the development opportunities in the Torvean area, including the new recreational hub, the relocation of parts of Torvean Golf Club and additional housing developments at Charleston . The Council has also been discussing development opportunities around the canal with Scottish Canals and the Brief sets out aspirations for new waterside development."

(JP/CD)